Who is MA French

Who is MA French

MICHAEL ANDREW FRENCH was born on April 21, 1946, in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Andrew and Leona (Zorn) French. The son of a WWII veteran and a true “farm-boy” from Saginaw, MI, Michael married his high-school sweet-heart, Sandra D. Gay, on August 27, 1966. Michael graduated from Ferris State University and was employed by Delphi for 43 years, retiring as a tool & die machinist.

In addition to his full time employment, Mike and Sandy were both avid participants in hunting, fishing, shooting sports and the outdoors. Their four children, Patti, Jon, David and Dan were introduced and regularly participated in outdoor activities at the earliest of ages. In addition, Michael and Sandy greatly impressed on their children the values of generousity, honesty, kindness, hard work, physcial/mental strength and courage.

Through out his life, Michael’s generousity provided many opportunities to an extraordinary amount of people. Even to this day, stories of “when our family had a hard time paying for “X”, your father just showed up and paid for it, no questions asked, nothing expected in return”. He commonly paid the restaurant bill for an older couple or s servicemen/servicewomen just to show his respect, aprreciation and in his words, “just to make them smile”.

This thoughtfulness also transcended into the outdoors as well. It’s unknown to this day, how many rifles, shotguns, fishing poles, jackets, gloves, hats and other outdoor gear Michael gave away to those who needed it more than he did. Recipients of his generousity ranged from those just starting out into hunting, those who hit hard times and were just trying to sustain, and those less fortunate that didn’t have the financial means to facilitate their son(s)/daughter(s) interest in hunting/fishing. He is a true inspiration on how to treat your fellow neighbor.

After selling his farm and retiring from Delphi, he enjoyed his retirement with Sandra on Drummond Island picking pudding stones, fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, visiting friends, and spending time with his family.

Michael Andrew French passed away with his family at his side on Wednesday, December 4, 2013. His legacy lives on through his wife, the virtues instilled in his children and the MA French Foundation.